On February 23, 2026, Pennsylvania Governor James Thompson signed a new bill into law aimed at enhancing protections for the state's elderly population. The legislation, known as the Elder Law Protection Act, is designed to address growing concerns about financial exploitation, abuse, and neglect of seniors.Under the Elder Law Protection Act, mandatory reporting requirements for suspected elder abuse have been expanded to include financial institutions, legal professionals, and certain healthcare providers. This is a significant step towards ensuring that instances of elder abuse are detected and reported promptly.Additionally, the new law establishes a dedicated Elder Law Task Force within the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. The task force will be responsible for investigating cases of elder abuse, coordinating resources for elder law enforcement, and providing support to victims and their families.One of the key provisions of the Elder Law Protection Act is the establishment of a statewide registry for power of attorney documents. This registry will allow individuals to voluntarily register their power of attorney documents, providing an added layer of protection against misuse or fraud.Governor Thompson praised the new legislation, stating that "Pennsylvania's elderly population deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and this new law will help ensure that they are protected from exploitation and abuse." He also emphasized the importance of increased awareness and education about elder law issues within the state.Advocates for the elderly have welcomed the Elder Law Protection Act, noting that it marks a significant step forward in safeguarding the rights and well-being of Pennsylvania's seniors. They hope that the new law will serve as a model for other states looking to strengthen their elder law protections.Overall, the Elder Law Protection Act represents a significant milestone in Pennsylvania's efforts to protect its elderly population. By enhancing reporting requirements, establishing a dedicated task force, and creating a registry for power of attorney documents, the state is taking proactive steps to prevent and address elder abuse.